I believe most Aus RL clubs are financially supported by huge not for profit, multi million dollar turnover members clubs which gives a huge advantage for clubs both financially and accessing their community.

has there ever been the same model used in UK sport? I cant recall any, not even in other sports.

If so, are there any existing models and if not, why did they fail?

Seems to me that these membership clubs are a great example of clubs engaging with their community.

Went to see Penrith play Souths when we visited Sydney in 2009, and their leagues club complex is huge - much more than just the club itself. Bars, restaurants, hotels and a golf driving range. We took our son on the mini golf course. After seeing that, it was something of a shock to see the decrepit state that parts of the ground were in.

Went to see Penrith play Souths when we visited Sydney in 2009, and their leagues club complex is huge - much more than just the club itself. Bars, restaurants, hotels and a golf driving range. We took our son on the mini golf course. After seeing that, it was something of a shock to see the decrepit state that parts of the ground were in.

Went to see Penrith play Souths when we visited Sydney in 2009, and their leagues club complex is huge - much more than just the club itself. Bars, restaurants, hotels and a golf driving range. We took our son on the mini golf course. After seeing that, it was something of a shock to see the decrepit state that parts of the ground were in.

The leagues clubs thrive because of Sydneysiders obsession with gambling and 'pokies'. I was a member of the Balmain tigers leagues club before it moved from Rozelle, I think I went twice it was like a modern working men's club, not really for me, but its a great source of revenue that's for sure.